Michael B. (Post from last year 1 star) Must be a FIB. This is an amazing lil cafe if you're looking for real up north small town vibe with GREAT food. Chili is best in Vilas Co. and service is wonderful. Great staff, great diner. read more

Oh how I wished I would've taken pictures of the FOOD!! My family of four went here to eat two days in a row! We all ordered different menu items both days and everything was delicious. However, my review is really about the SERVICE...it was outstanding! The staff was amazing and extremely friendly,kind and personable. We loved the food but we came back for the service!! Trust me, my family is a bit unusual with me and my wife being a gay married couple and also having two amazing girls and one has a Mohawk. Did anyone make us feel anything but welcome and friendly? Absolutely not...they didn't bat an eye and were nothing but kind. We can't wait to come back!! read more

We had trouble finding anyplace that was open on a Monday for breakfast. After striking out on several places we noticed that Leif's was open & decided to give it a go. We were promptly seated and our coffee arrived quickly. My wife ordered the chopped beef on toast and I eggs, hash browns & toast. My wife commented that their was far more chipped, dried beef than even gravy. Usually this dish consists of a few shreds of dried beef and a LOT of white gravy. Her toast was well covered with mostly dried beef in a white peppered gravy. She pronounced it as very, very good. My eggs were fixed the way I ordered them , the hash browns golden brown and of ample size and the rye toast seemed to be better than the usual corporate, packaged variety. The highlight of the meal however was our server. This young woman ( ok maybe mid- late 30's) was delightful. She was the kind of server one rarely sees anymore. She briskly moved about the dining room filling coffee cups, brightly chatting & joking with customers , taking orders, and bringing out food. Her bright, sassy personality only added to the brightness of our morning! It was a great way to begin our day! read more

I consider myself a local, a guy who leaves a very kind tip. When I phone in an order, I expect the person to take my order, not set the phone down and forget it is still connected until I drive in 15 minutes later to say HEY! You are still connected to my cell! Then the waitresses get righteous and tell me I Have To Go (implied threat of police action, you know), until I request the manager, and then OH SHIT is the staff going to get it now! UTTERLY bad service, whether on the phone or sitting down. They think they know whats what but take it from someone who has put YEARS into food service including management: the wait staff at Leif's are in so far over their head they will actually laugh at you for your complaint. True, its a seasonal thing, but come on - when a customer storms in angry as hell for being left on hold for 15 minutes, the last thing a waitress should do is laugh at you. And bitch about you when you don't tip well enough. Even my standard $3 tip on a $10 meal was not enough to earn me anything from these useless harpies. read more

Excellent breakfast! Big portions at a fair price, the food was delicious and the staff very friendly!! We will definitely be back the next time we are in the north woods! read more

Very good restaurant. Restaurant was very clean, and taking all the proper precautions for Covid 19. Staff all were wearing mask and cleaning the tables well. We sat outside on the patio and had great service. Meat Lovers Omelette was outstanding and tons of meat for the value. Definitely would recommend. read more

Leif's Cafe - Meat Lovers Omelette. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Eagle River, Wisconsin

Not what it used to be. Quite different in quality and portions since the original owner Leif had this cafe. I rarely ever eat there anymore. Sad. read more

1 hr to get food. It's good but not that good. Then, the poached eggs were poorly cooked. I'll give it one more try but then we may have to take another break from what once was consistent, trusty Leifs. Bummer, I thought this place had it figured out again. The lady at the front said, someone was supposed to tell you it was going to take a while (She was the one that sat us) and there was no consideration for the poorly cooked meal. read more

Service and food are terrible. Questionable crowd. Avoid at all costs. Too many other good options in and around Eagle River.

It was recommended for us to skip this place. We went anyway, for breakfast. Food was solid and the service was great! Coffee is ho-hum.

Excellent breakfast. The service is outstanding. Peri was fantastic. The food is good and portions large. The bacon was so yummy, and the pancake was so fluffy. The lines might be extended, but so with it. Be ready to eat. read more

Stopped here for a late breakfast while staying in Eagle River. First let me comment on the GREAT service! Pleasant and prompt server! I had the Hartland turkey sandwich which was excellent, a unique grilled sandwich of good deli turkey, 2 cheeses and 2 chutneys on raisin bread lightly grilled. Yum on the tastebuds! Potato chips and a dill pickle rounded out the plate for a flavorful brunch sandwich. Breakfast is served all day long. Small patio area was great to capture the pleasant day while eating. Would definitely eat here again! read more

Food is nothing to write home about. Service was horrible and the waitress was completely out of her element. Waitress also mentioned several times how her not being prompt with her service was the other staffs fault. When ordering drinks she forgot half the tables and then disappeared, when meals came, 2 people didn't receive food and we had to ask the bus boy to get her. The bus boy was also cleaning tables and throwing his dirty towel on clean tables which the hostess would throw on the next table over in order to seat the next guests. We waited over 20 minutes for a coffee refill and 15 minutes for the check. We left a tip on the table and the waitress came and counted it as we were getting ready to leave and gave us a dirty look. When paying the bill I was asked if everything was to our satisfaction and when I replied no the cashier made a huge deal of it because we were a big party... Of 6! Food was barely ok, service was horrible, and the nonchalant I don't care attitude was unnecessary. Never again read more

After refusing to microwave a machine-manufactured omelet at the Best Western, I turned to Yelp to find a local restaurant for breakfast. Seeing the rave reviews for Leif's, I skidded down ice-covered Hwy 45 with the hopes of a pleasant breakfast experience. I parked amongst the many cars featuring made in China bumper stickers bemoaning the current president and daring people to pry guns from their cold dead hands. Upon entering the local diners seemed to dislike the fact that I was not dressed in deer hunting regalia--or perhaps it was because I wasn't armed. Whatever the case, I was clearly identified as "NOT LOCAL" by the diners and the staff. The menu is fairly standard breakfast food, and if you are a vegetarian like me, you have very few options. My meal was fairly run of the mill Wisconsin breakfast. The eggs and potatoes were incredibly greasy (the eggs had a layer of orangish oil on top of them) and the toast was overly buttered. The eggs did appear to be local, as the yolks were a nice orange-yellow. The potatoes, in addition to being greasy, were quite bland, and had to be accentuated by a healthy dose of Tabasco. I can now cross "eating breakfast with two told men staring at me the entire time while the people sitting next to me chatted about their concealed weapons and putting down their Labradors" off my bucket list. read more

Killer coffee for a diner. Square prices and wonderful local conversations about hunting, fishing and other backwoods topics. I had biscuits and gravy on a lark and it was the right choice. No smoking! They are cool about letting you hang loose and read the paper too. Not sure about the WiFi situation, probably most people don't care, but I do. Open early at 5 a.m. Good stuff! read more

This place was rock'n busy when we got there. Our group of 7 was still seated quickly. Our waitress was right on it. They had told us the meal might take 20 minutes because they were so busy, but they beat that no problem. I had the Philly Beef Steak and it was excellent. I've traveled a lot overseas and domestically and this place gets my thumbs up. read more

Delicious breakfast skillets and nice outdoor seating. The waitstaff was nice as well. I ordered the Beni Skillet and it was so tasty. The blueberry pancakes are ginormous and so good. read more

In town for the week on vacation and visited Leif's twice.. Great breakfast, wonderful service and happy atmosphere. Great for kids too (they loved the chocolate chip pancakes and crayons/coloring pages kept them occupied). Great coffee and mugs..purchased a couple of mugs to bring back home. read more

Leif's Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Eagle River, Wisconsin

I'm always totally amazed at how full the parking lot is and how quick you can be seated and then served. Probably because since Lief's went no smoking, even before the mandate, tourists don't sit around after breakfast having more coffee and 3 cigarettes. Great food. By the way, we don't do the Texas Two Step in Wisconsin nor do we pronounce Lief's with two syllables. It's Leef's. read more

Order the blueberry pancakes. Trust me on this! This place is worth going to even if you just order the blueberry pancakes every time! We went with our young daughter and our new baby. The wait staff were very friendly. Our waitress actually cut our daughters pancakes for her so us parents could eat our food while it was still hot! My husband was pleased that they serve beer. I am just head over heels for their blueberry pancakes! Can you tell? :-) read more

My wife and I along with another couple dined here for breakfast twice on a recent stay in Eagle River. The food was great, but the customer service was even better! Our server, Mindy, was fantastic and we were blessed to have her serve us on both visits. We were surprised to learn that she had only been working their a month. I can tell you it didn't show. She's a natural and great with people. She's a keeper! We will definitely dine at Leif's on our next visit to the Northwoods! read more

We have frequented Leif's for many years. The food is always consistent. Impressed with their spacing and safety considerations in light of Covid. Our recent breakfast was delicious - especially the skillets. You wait a bit. But exceptional service. Our waitress Perry was personable and entertaining with her banter and she initiated bringing out some softer eggs for my husbands skillet when she noticed his were a bit too well done compared to what he ordered! Wish their were more places like Leif's around. Quality food and service from folks who really care about their customers. We will be back! read more

No. Nope. Breakfast was served cold. Service was ok, but not the type of smiley friendliness I've grown accustomed to up in the north woods. I was really surprised to have the experience we did given the high reviews for this place. But all 3 of us felt it was overrated after trying it ourselves. read more

It has been a few years since I was here and while it was very good before, it's even BETTER now. They've added a lot more items to the menu, and you always get great friendly service. Breakfasts can be busy, but they turn over the tables quickly and it is definitely worth the wait. If you're in the Eagle River area, it is a definite place to put on your MUST EAT list. read more

Couldn't be better. Good food, friendly service, convenient with good pricing. Doesn't get better than that. Had dinner and came back for breakfast. Broasted chicken was perfect. read more

Great breakfast place! Due to its popularity, long waits are common. Excellent and friendly service. Large dining room, so it can get a bit noisy but this is a good thing and the atmosphere is lively and family friendly. read more

Leif's Cafe - Large dining room. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Eagle River, Wisconsin

Had breakfast this morning. The food was good. A little over priced I think for what you get but the food was not my issue. We came in around 11:30am for breakfast and were seated at a two top table up against a wall right next to the bathroom and behind the wall to the kitchen. There were probably 7-8 empty four tops but we were seated at the naughty table. I even asked our server if we did something wrong or were not dressed properly to be seated where we were. I had to eat with my plate on the edge of the table as to not keep hitting the wall with my elbo. Again food was good, but I think some simple training on customer seating is needed. I did not enjoy the smells coming from the bathroom. read more

Best breakfast in town! Never leave hungry.

We love going here every chance we are in the northwoods. Great food. Very personable staff. Everyone knows everyone. Great place to see the towns folk,they welcome you back when your just on vacation. We bought few of there table spice and logo coffee mugs for that feeling of being there when your 300 miles away at home. Cant say enough about this great small town cafe. Stop by. You will not be dissapointed!!! They even are on the snowmobile trail read more

Breakfast was great and the menu had a nice variety. Service was friendly, so I don't know what the other reviewer was talking about. I've driven by here many times while heading to LandO, so glad I finally stopped in. I'll make a point to stop in! read more

Came here with a group for breakfast on Saturday and had Perry as our waitress. What an ABSOLUTE JOY of a woman who really made our day with her positive energy and fun spirit. Best service we've had in a long time. Perry recommended the mimosas, which were fabulous. Very attentive service and delicious breakfast food. Potato pancakes were a hit. We will absolutely be back!! read more

Ate dinner (take out) here. I chose this restaurant because of the yelp reviews. It was just okay. My husband had beef stroganoff. There were too many noodles compared to the stroganoff. It came with a salad, which we ordered a side Caesar. We got a side salad with Caesar dressing. I ordered the fish and chips which was just so-so. The fish seemed to be Gordon food and the fries were just okay. Not real crisp, just French fried potatoes cooked. I would not eat here again. read more

Good food, waitresses and hostess are beyond rude. Very unpleasant. They were busy and made you feel very unwelcome. Will not go back.

Excellent lunch spot! Tomato stuffed with chicken salad very tasty & filling. Hubby had Asian Chicken salad & loved it. Huge portion! Chicken dumpling soup great! Son had double bacon cheeseburger& fries. Very good. Other son had Reuben& fries-- very good. Service was outstanding! read more

This place has wonderful waters are water had really good costumer service it's like the perfect family cafe to stop and have a good meal and coffee read more

Greeted at the door and wait service was attentive. Attention to Covid-cleaning was spot on! We ordered breakfast basics and did just fine. I can see why it is the place to meet for coffee! read more

Food was great! As for COVID precautions... I have literally never felt less safe at a restaurant during the pandemic. I really wanted to stay but I just had to take it to go. People seemed to almost intentionally crowd each other. Less than 10% masked people in the building. It seems there was no mask enforcement whatsoever. The host who took my order had her mask hanging under her chin. Welp, contrary to local hospitals & news reports, looks like COVID's over in Eagle River! read more

I've gone to Leif's plenty of times in the past and thought it was okay enough. But this last visit really changed my mind about them. I had ordered the $10 Athenian omelet and when it was served it brought along a very potent, unpleasant and sour smell. I had only a couple bites before I knew I couldn't eat it. I know that there are some ingredients in the dish like feta that may give it a unique scent/flavor, but this time around it tasted quite unpleasant as if it were spoiled. The others at my table also agreed something was wrong with the meal and so I addressed the waitress about my concern. She became immediately irritated, telling me that it was the feta cheese, and that she wasn't sure what she could do about it. She then had the cook come out and also aggressively tell me that there was nothing wrong with the ingredients, all in a very confrontational tone. I hadn't even asked to speak with the cook in the first place so it made for an unwanted awkward encounter. It was quite embarrassing service. I understand that a restaurant does not have to exchange anything with me as they had served what I had ordered, but it definitely showed just how unobliging and rude they can be. I had been very polite with them and they had been sharp with me from the jump. I guess they only pretend to care if your enjoying your food or experience. In the end, I paid for the uneaten omelet and had to order and pay for a $2 side of hashbrowns since I had no food to eat. This place isn't worth it, only gets 2 stars since the two people with me liked what they were served. I'd stay away from here if I were you, or at the very least, stay away from the Athenian omelet!! read more

This place was recommended by a friend while in the Eagle River area. Breakfast was your traditional diner menu but the coffee flowed and our waitress was attentive. We would stop again if in the area. read more

This place is mediocre. The food is okay, nothing special. The French toast had a nice cinnamon undertone. Service was quick for this area - we were in and out in a little over an hour (we ate fast also). They don't do replacements if you want to customize an order, such as replace corn beef hash with hash browns. Not much for vegetarians other than the usual pancake/French toast. The staff was working their booties off though; they kept it running smooth for being so busy on Labor Day - and huge props to them for working on this day! read more